If you want to experiment with body painting without permanently changing your skin, a temporary tattoo is the best solution. You can make a temporary tattoo yourself using some of the household items and items available at craft stores. Learn four techniques for making temporary tattoos: using an eyeliner pencil, using a stencil, printing on paper, and using a Sharpie (a marker brand).
1. Design the tattoo. To make a great tattoo, think about the design before you apply it to your skin. Use a regular pencil and paper to sketch your ideas, following these guidelines:
An eyeliner tattoo will look even better if the lines are thick and simple. Thin lines and more intricate designs tend to be washed out and hard to spot. We recommend that you choose clear shapes.
Determine the size of the tattoo you want. Large tattoos appear as if they were hand drawn, while smaller tattoos appear more "authentic". Design your tattoo according to the effect you want to get.
2. Choose an eyeliner. Go to a cosmetic store and buy a regular eyeliner pencil, which should be sharpened. Choose a pencil that doesn't create a shiny or greasy effect. A pencil that can be used to draw dry, even lines for a tattoo that will last longer and won't fade.
Deep black eyeliner can make a temporary tattoo stand out, but you can of course choose more than one color. Try emerald greens, purples, and sapphire blues for the entire design or just for a touch.
Avoid liquid eyeliner. This type of eyeliner has a harder time sticking to any part of your body other than your eyelids.
Practice drawing the tattoo design with the eyeliner pencil of your choice on a piece of paper. Familiarize your fingers with the pressure needed to create a smooth line.
3. Draw the design on your skin with an eyeliner pencil. Take enough time and make sure the design is exactly the way you want it. If you don't like it, you can rinse it and redraw it.
You can get a tattoo anywhere on your body, but the areas where there is less hair are easier to draw. Make sure your skin is clean and dry when drawing your designs.
Use a cotton swab to mix the colors and create gradations.
4. Spray the design with hairspray. These chemicals, which normally make your hair harden, act as a seal, to ensure the tattoo doesn't fall off for a few hours. You don't need to spray it until it's wet; just spray lightly.
5. Rinse. This tattoo should last for about a day before it starts to wear off. You can clean it easily with warm soapy water. You may need to remove it before bed so that the eyeliner doesn't get on the sheets.